Thread: I’ve been reflecting on this nonsense that @cafreeland isn’t qualified to be finance minister and I have a few thoughts:

The initial assumption - that Canada’s finance department needs a Bay Street tycoon in charge - is ridiculous. Why? #cdnpoli #canada @FinanceCanada

Because often, these folks - however good their intentions - may not have worked on Main Street, or at a startup - or, for that matter, as a social worker, a janitor, or a stay-at-home parent. Yet the Department of Finance has to make decisions affecting all these people.

There’s an assumption an MBA is essential to business success or understanding the world of finance. That too is untrue.
As a CEO who’s helped build two multi-billion $ businesses, I can tell you my education in environmental studies, geography & policy serve me very well. Why?

To be a successful leader, you have to analyze data, work collaboratively w/ others, solve problems & make hard decisions.
Similarly, a great minister has to synthesize information, speak with stakeholders, challenge ideas, work w/ the public service, and lead with conviction.

Some of ’s best ministers, from all parties didn’t start out as subject matter experts, but were inherently good leaders. Think Mazankowski, Chretien, Flaherty, Axworthy, McLellan.
If DPM Freeland were a white man, would we question her credentials the same way? I suspect not.

But even if we did, the question we should ask is whether the individual is capable of bringing sound leadership to a team of professionals and engaging with complex policy ideas - and advancing the best interests of Canadians.

Chrystia Freeland has already proven that she does in international trade, foreign affairs and intergovernmental affairs.

That’s what any department needs, and with her experience, her skill and her commitment to Canada, we’re all well served with her as Minister of Finance.